Jadeja takes a sly dig at James Anderson re-opening 8 year old battle

Ravindra Jadeja on Saturday struck his 3rd test ton and perhaps the most important in his test career. Jadeja scored his 2nd test 100 in 3 games after his 175 not out against Sri Lanka few months earlier at Mohali. This was his first hundred away from home and it couldn’t have come at a better time. India are looking to win this match to take the series 3-1 and win their first series in England for 15 years. During the course of the India-England rivalry the last decade, there was a rivalry which has raised its head again.

The story as it happened –

Ravindra Jadeja came into bat when India were 98 for 5 on the first day of the final test. Along with Pant, the 33 year old added 222 for the 6th wicket to put India in a strong position. Jadeja resumed day two on 83 and reached 3rd century to Put India on course for a huge total on the board. Jadeja was out for 104 while going for a slog against Anderson and was bowled.

Anderson has his say on Jadeja’s knock –

It was a day to remember for James Anderson as well as he picked his 32nd five wicket haul in his test career. Possibly, playing his final ever test against India the 39 year old was the best bowler on display. At the end of the day Anderson had said “I don’t think there is any dramatic change in Ravindra Jadeja’s batting over the years. Earlier he used to come at number 8 and he didn’t use to get much time. So he had to take his chances. Whereas now he can bat like a proper Batter”

Jadeja has his say on Anderson’s comments –

Ravindra Jadeja had a tongue in cheek reply to the comments and observations made by Anderson. The 33 year old was told about what the English fast bowler had to say, to which he replied “I always try to give myself time and build partnerships. Whoever is the set batsman at the other end I try to give him company. Good that Jimmy Anderson has realised my potential after 2014. I am happy”

Jadeja and Anderson had a physical battle back in 2014, when the English fast bowler had threatened to beat up Jadeja inside the dressing room. Skipper MS Dhoni had stepped in to diffuse situation and there was plenty of ugly scenes after.